Peanut Factory Worker Treated For Meningitis

Doctor: Customers Won't Be Affected

November 06, 2002|By TINA MCCLOUD Daily Press

GLOUCESTER POINT — The director of the regional health district gave seven employees of Whitley's Peanut Factory an antibiotic prescription Tuesday after they learned a fellow worker had been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

Dr. Reuben Varghese, director of the Three Rivers Health District, met with employees of the Gloucester Point business Tuesday afternoon.

The disease, an inflammation of the lining around the brain, is spread by direct contact with nose or throat secretions from an infected person.

Varghese talked to the workers as a group and individually, said Craig Smith, one of the brothers who owns the business. The doctor offered to write a prescription for an antibiotic for anyone who felt they wanted the treatment, said Smith.

Varghese said there was no risk to customers or food products.

Health officials don't recommend preventive antibiotics for people who don't come into close contact with an infected person.

Information provided by the Health District said close contact includes activities such as kissing or sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, cigarettes or toothbrushes. The bacteria do not survive for more than a few minutes on environmental surfaces such as tables, chairs or clothing.

The unidentified woman with the illness started work a couple of weeks ago in the candy-production facility at the rear of the retail store on Route 17, said Todd Smith, the other co-owner. Seven other people work in the candy shop.

She felt ill Friday and went to a doctor rather than coming to work, then was admitted to Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, they said.

The Smiths brothers said they didn't know what was wrong with the employee until Health District officials contacted them Tuesday. The hospital notified the Health District of the diagnosis, said hospital administrator David Tate.

Health experts say most people exposed to the infection do not get sick. Symptoms include severe headache, high fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and occasionally a rash. Some people also might suffer from sleepiness or confusion.

Varghese said anyone with concerns or questions can call the Health District at (804) 758-2381.